Motorcycle Repair: ZX7r 1998, starter solenoid, motor brushes

Question
Hi Mark, I\m having a problem starting my bike.  When I press the start switch the starter motor doesn\t kick in.  All I can hear is a faint fast tapping coming from around the starter motor.  I have had the battery checked and all is well.  Someone suggested the relay, but I  thought if it was nackered then no power would pass through it.  Your help would be greatfullz recieved.

Many thanks,
Gary Stubbs


Answer
Hi Gary,

The usual cause of this symptom is worn starter motor brushes.

Other causes includes one or more of the following:

Weak or defective battery
Loose battery lead connector
Defective starter solenoid
Burned/pitted/corroded solenoid contacts  Burned/pitted/corroded start button contacts
Dead insect or spider web between contacts
Defective ignition switch

Respectfully,
Mark Shively